Perform the Plough Technique in Thai Massage

4 Parts:

Benefits of the Plough Technique

Additional Tips and Suggestions

Warnings for Thai Plough Massages

Comments

The Plough Massage Technique used in Thai massage reflexology is a deceptive yoga asana. This technique should be used cautiously and the masseuse should pay close attention to the recipient for any signs of pain or discomfort as this position can apply too much pressure onto the cervical spine. The plough technique should be used near the end of a massage or physical therapy session so that the back and body are properly warmed up to help reduce the risk of injury.

Read the steps that follow for additional information, and don't forget to watch our instructional video at the end of this article.

Like all forms of Thai massage, the Plough technique offers whole body benefits, but also has it's own areas that it helps to improve.

The plough reflexology technique can improve the following:

• Chronic Back Pain
• Flexibility
• Joint Stiffness

Things You'll Need:

• A mattress or mat on the floor
• A pillow for the comfort of the recipient
• Optional Massage Oil or Cream

Thai Plough Massage Procedure:

1. 1
   Have the individual wanting to receive the plough Thai massage technique lay on his or her back on the mat or mattress with their head rested upon the pillow.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2. 2
   Perform a warm-up routine

   .

   This can be as long or short as you would like, but it should adequately warm up the back of the person receiving the massage. Often, the masseuse will take the person's feet in his or her hands and gently rock the body of the individual back and forth several times. This is done by holding the individuals feet together with one hand while the other is helping to push the person's legs towards their head slightly from its placement on the back of the knee.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3. 3
   Take a foot in each hand

   .

   When the back is adequately warmed up, place a foot in either hand and open the legs.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4. 4
   With the massage recipient's legs in a V position and their arms outstretched forming a T with the upper body, walk into position without releasing the individuals feet

   .

   Your feet need to be place on either side of the person's chest. Your toes should come up to their arm pits.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5. 5
   Instruct the individual to cover your feet with their upper arms as you bend their knees so that each foot is beside your outer thighs.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6. 6
   Bring their feet in front of your knees and touch the soles together.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
7. 7
   Gently and slowly move their feet in a rocking motion towards their head

   .

   Rock them back and forth 8 times.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
8. 8
   Open the feet and reposition a little bit closer to the individuals head

   .

   Then again apply gentle pressure and press their feet towards their head then release and move back to the starting position until you reach a count of 8.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
9. 9
   Again open the feet and touch them back together closer to the person's head

   .

   Be careful not to overstretch and injure the individual. You are going to repeat the same motions as before but you want to hold the stretch for a count of 3 before relaxing. Keep repeating this process until you get as close to the floor above the person's head with their feet as possible without inflicting pain or discomfort.

   Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
10. 10
    Move both feet to the outer sides of your thighs and gently press them downward for a good cervical stretch.

    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
11. 11
    Slowly move backwards over the person's groin area and down to the end of the mat elongating their legs

    .

    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
12. 12
    Once their legs are fully straight bring their heels together and give their legs a shake to help loosen them up.

    Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

• Don't rush. The individual will get more flexible with repeat sessions.
• Have the recipient wear loose fitting clothing that will be able to move and stretch without ripping or hindering movement.
• Make sure the room is warm enough that the individual will not get cold.

• Be careful not to over stretch the individual as this could lead to injury.
• Make sure the person is warmed up and relaxed before starting.
• Pay attention to the individual, and make sure he or she is not experiencing discomfort.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

Comments